25-01-2023, 05:38 PM
Back in the late 1960s when I was involved with theatre acoustics, I recall a visit to the Davenport Theatre in Stockport http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/1832 . The manager was receiving complaints of an echo in some seats. I went along with an organist friend of mine who was keen to play the Compton, which in turn gave a great account of itself. We had the run of the place so that I could record gunshots for later lab analysis. Interestingly, much of the technical equipment in the projection room was original from its installation in 1937 - a museum piece frozen in time with only the projectors and sound system having been updated for widescreen presentations. Even the monitor speaker used with optical tracks was the original Western Electric 'curly' horn complete with its Western Electric driver . The original Holophane lighting effects equipment directed at the reflective proscenium surround was pretty impressive kit, presumably used as a colourful accompaniment to the organ performance.
I remember seeing the Melotone horn speakers projecting from under the stage, but don't recall hearing any sound from them. I wish I'd known more then about the Melotone to have investigated more thoroughly. Audience members in the front stalls would have heard more than their fair share from the Melotone speakers! It's good to know that the organ is now in the care of the Lancastrian Theatre Organ Trust. I came across a 1989 recording on Youtube by Doreen Chadwick https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txMHlx1W1VM and a further episode showing photos of the theatre including its sad demolition, all accompanied by the Compton played by Joyce Alldred https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oYtqfqNnQA . Is it possible from the recordings to hear the Melotone?
The organ is now thankfully in the care of the Lancastrian Theatre Organ Trust. A recording in its current home (played by Kevin Morgan) is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0G3i8Z4gzc . I don't know whether the Melotone moved with it.
Oh - and the acoustics. The echo was due to reflections focused from the curved back wall and balcony front. I recommended absorbent treatment, but the final solution was a pretty comprehensive remodelling which included converting the restaurant into a second screen. The final final solution of course has been demolition.
Martin
I remember seeing the Melotone horn speakers projecting from under the stage, but don't recall hearing any sound from them. I wish I'd known more then about the Melotone to have investigated more thoroughly. Audience members in the front stalls would have heard more than their fair share from the Melotone speakers! It's good to know that the organ is now in the care of the Lancastrian Theatre Organ Trust. I came across a 1989 recording on Youtube by Doreen Chadwick https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txMHlx1W1VM and a further episode showing photos of the theatre including its sad demolition, all accompanied by the Compton played by Joyce Alldred https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oYtqfqNnQA . Is it possible from the recordings to hear the Melotone?
The organ is now thankfully in the care of the Lancastrian Theatre Organ Trust. A recording in its current home (played by Kevin Morgan) is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0G3i8Z4gzc . I don't know whether the Melotone moved with it.
Oh - and the acoustics. The echo was due to reflections focused from the curved back wall and balcony front. I recommended absorbent treatment, but the final solution was a pretty comprehensive remodelling which included converting the restaurant into a second screen. The final final solution of course has been demolition.
Martin
BVWS Member
